[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/211207/773787a4921e74bbb158a1779471847a.png[/img] [sup]Interaction: Anki [@Medili], Srikandi [@Kumbaris], Zavim [@Sanity43217], Fei Bai Ho [@Shirly Swad], Almira and Galmira [@Kumbaris], Sumiye [@King Cosmos], Garret [@ShiningSector], Q-T [@DracoLunaris][/sup][/center] [hr] Catherine raised an eyebrow with a skeptical expression as she heard Almira's words. While the offer for transport was indeed welcome, the way Almira was dealing with that whole situation didn't seem very... diplomatic. Not only she seemed to be refusing to cooperate in Catherine's research but she was even prohibiting her to touch their equipment and even seemed to be taking the dragon corpse, [i]that they have killed[/i] for themselves. [color=ed1c24]"Suit yourself... I hope you aren't expecting me to contribute in any kind or way in your own research as well, after all, you not only said that you and your crew wouldn't cooperate and help me with my research, but you have refused to let me make use of your equipment..."[/color] Catherine said, looking to Almira with an annoyed, almost hostile expression. [color=ed1c24]"There will be no information exchange or scientific collaboration if only one side is going to benefit from it."[/color] Catherine said with a firm tone. [color=ed1c24]"Besides, I do believe that the dragon's corpse isn't yours to do as you wish, is it? After all, it wasn't you who had to fight with it. You did hear Galmira's words about the 'dragon code' as well as we did, didn't you, Almira? You didn't ask if we were okay with you using it, did you?"[/color] Catherine said, with a smirk. [color=ed1c24]"I heard a lot about the dragon's code and how honorable they are. I believe a dragon such as yourself wouldn't go back on their word, would you, Galmira?"[/color] Catherine said, this time looking at the dragoness who was near the other group. [color=ed1c24]"Definitely not a very... diplomatic approach from your side, is it?"[/color] Catherine said, looking at Almira with a piercing stare towards Almira, one that made clear that she didn't see them as allies or anything. While her words were brief, the unsaid implications that were implied by that particular phrase were very serious. [color=ed1c24]"We are all representing different kingdoms. Our words and our reports do carry a lot of weight and will definitely influence the political decisions that will be taken regarding your presence on Friestan, Almira. While I couldn't care less about what the kings, queens, emperors and nobles will decide, it's probably on your best interest to maintain friendly relations, isn't it?"[/color] Catherine continued. [color=ed1c24]"Despite you saying that you don't want any trouble, I can't safely trust someone who is simply taking what they want and refuse to exchange information."[/color] Catherine said with a smirk and a provocative expression. [color=ed1c24]"I hope you will understand my concerns... Given the current situation."[/color] Catherine finished, deliberately using almost the same phrase Almira herself used. While Catherine herself couldn't care less about politics, diplomacy or what decisions the rulers of each country would take, she had to constantly deal with scientists, nobles and powerful people who might get in the way of her research. It wouldn't be the first time she had to throw the weight of her backer's influence around to get what she wanted. But again, it was definitely better than throwing her fists or her explosive mixtures... [color=ed1c24]"She might not be showing any hostile intentions, but she is definitely not seeing us as her equals, is she?"[/color] Catherine said, turning to Srikandi as she expressed her worries about Almira and her team in the common tongue instead of Pataliputran.